Alabama Tire Chain Laws

How Alabama handles chains

Alabama has no chain-up law for trucks. Chains are permitted, not required. State law lets you run tire chains, or metal-studded and safety-spike tires, of reasonable proportions when snow, rain, or slick roads make them needed for safety (Ala. Code 32-5-210). ALDOT posts no R-1 levels or 'Chains Required' signs. North Alabama grades on I-59 in the Appalachian foothills are where you might chain by choice. Check ALGOtraffic.com or the ALGO Traffic app.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: Optional. ALDOT posts no chain order and no chain-control signs. Chains are allowed for traction in snow and ice, never required.
• Where: No mandate. North Alabama around Huntsville and the Appalachian foothills on I-59 and US-72 are where you might chain by choice in a rare storm.
• Applies to: No CMV chain mandate. The permissive rule applies to any vehicle, with no weight threshold.
• Chains vs traction devices: Chains, or metal-studded and safety-spike tires, of reasonable proportions are allowed when snow, rain, or slick conditions make them needed for safety (Ala. Code 32-5-210). No posted device grades, so cable chains or AutoSock are a driver choice.
• Check the live order: ALDOT road conditions at ALGOtraffic.com or the ALGO Traffic app. Alabama routes road-condition info through ALGO Traffic, not a 511 phone line.
• Fine: No chain-up fine, because chains are not required. Chains are optional for safety.

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